Two Japanese boxers die of brain injuries

Boxer Hiromasa Urakawa died a day after Shigetoshi Kotari passed away. Both Japanese boxers died of brain injuries.

28-year-old boxer Hiromasa Urakawa passed away a day after boxer Shigetoshi Kotari died of brain injury - Photo: Tokkero/X

On August 2, boxer Hiromasa Urakawa lost by knockout to Yoji Saito in the eighth round at Korakuen Hall (Tokyo). The loss to Saito was his second consecutive defeat and third defeat in four matches.

After the match, he was taken to hospital with a brain injury and had to undergo surgery to treat a subdural hematoma, also known as bleeding inside the skull.

Ring magazine cited reports from Japan that Urakawa died from severe injuries.

Urakawa's passing comes just a day after Japanese boxer Shigetoshi Kotari died from injuries sustained in a fight with Yamato Hata. The World Boxing Organization (WBO) confirmed Kotari's death on Friday (August 8).

Previously, boxer Shigetoshi Kotari also passed away for the same reason - Photo: ELIMPARCIAL

The WBO announced on social media on Saturday: "The WBO mourns the passing of Japanese boxer Hiromasa Urakawa, who tragically passed away due to injuries sustained during his fight with Yoji Sait on August 2 at Korakuen Hall (Tokyo).

This heartbreaking news comes just days after Shigetoshi Kotari passed away from injuries sustained in a fight. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the Japanese boxing community at this incredibly difficult time."

The Japan Boxing Commission confirmed that both boxers were taken to hospital after the match at Korakuen Hall (Tokyo). In addition, Yamato Hata (the boxer who fought with Kotari) was hospitalized and is in a coma at Korakuen Hall.

28-year-old Hiromasa Urakawa has 10 wins, 7 knockouts and 4 losses in his career. Meanwhile, Kotari is a super featherweight with 8 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses in 12 fights.

To avoid similar tragic incidents, the Japan Boxing Commission has announced that all Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title fights will be held in 10 rounds instead of 12.

MR. HAO

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hai-vo-si-nguoi-nhat-qua-doi-vi-chan-thuong-nao-20250810143546125.htm